Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting yet challenging task. One of the main challenges is figuring out how to transport your wedding dress safely to your destination. It is crucial to ensure that your dress arrives in pristine condition. There are several ways to do this, including packing your dress in a carry-on garment bag, purchasing a seat for your dress, or shipping it to your destination. To avoid damage or loss, it is recommended to keep your dress with you at all times, either as hand luggage or by buying an extra seat. Preparing the dress for travel by using tissue paper to maintain its shape and prevent creases is also important. Additionally, consider purchasing a wedding dress travel box, which can be useful for delicate items and is accepted as carry-on luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transporting a wedding dress abroad | Carry-on luggage, hand luggage, or checked luggage |
| Los Angeles-specific considerations | N/A |
| Advantages of carry-on luggage | Minimizes risk of loss or damage, allows for greater control, can utilize overhead compartments or closets for storage |
| Disadvantages of carry-on luggage | May need to purchase additional seat, dress may be exposed to pressure or less than ideal conditions during flight |
| Advantages of checked luggage | More space for dress, no need to carry it onboard |
| Disadvantages of checked luggage | Higher risk of loss or damage, less control over dress during transport |
| General tips | Use a high-quality garment bag, properly fold or hang the dress, consider using tissue paper for structure and protection, utilize a steamer to remove wrinkles |
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What You'll Learn
Packing your wedding dress in hand luggage
Firstly, you'll need a high-quality garment bag. If you purchased your wedding dress from a retailer that works with wedding attire, you may have received a dress bag to store your dress in. Otherwise, you can easily purchase one online. It should be breathable and reusable, especially if you're travelling to a humid destination.
Next, you'll need to pack the dress inside the bag. If your dress has straps, make sure the hanger straps are on the clothing hanger, looping them around as many times as needed to take the weight off the straps of the garment. If your dress has a train, grab the loop underneath and put it onto the hook of the hanger to evenly distribute the weight. Then, follow LaVine's advice on how to fold the dress: "Place the middle of the garment inside, then take the top and fold it over, and take the bottom and fold it over."
When you arrive at the airport, you may want to ask about early boarding to ensure you get space in the overhead bins. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a garment bag as part of their carry-on allowance, but it's always wise to double-check with your airline's specific policies beforehand. Some airlines, like Delta, have sections on their websites for information about special baggage items, and you can ask a gate agent for help determining where to store your dress during the flight.
Finally, when you arrive at your destination, take your dress out of the garment bag and hang it up. This will allow any wrinkles to fall out. If you're concerned about wrinkles, you can pack a handheld portable steamer or wrinkle release spray.
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Using a garment bag
If you're planning on travelling with your wedding dress, using a garment bag is a great option. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Choosing the Right Garment Bag
Select a high-quality, carry-on garment bag that meets your airline's size restrictions. Some airlines may have specific dimensions for carry-on bags, so it's important to check their policies beforehand. You can purchase an airline-safe garment bag, or use the one provided by the retailer or designer. If you didn't receive a garment bag with your dress, you can easily buy one online.
Preparing the Dress
Before placing your dress in the garment bag, consider how to best protect it during travel. If possible, ask the salon, retailer, or designer to prepare it for travel. They may add padding to the bust area or use a cardboard dress form to maintain its shape. If you're doing it yourself, lay the dress flat and use tissue paper to mould and support structured sections like the bust. If your dress has straps, you can hang it by the straps inside the gown to avoid fabric distortion. For dresses with long trains, consider leaving them bustled to prevent wrinkles.
Folding and Packing
There are different methods for folding a wedding dress into a garment bag. One approach is to place the middle of the dress inside the bag, then fold the top and bottom sections over. This helps to minimise creases. If your dress is small enough, you can pack it into a carry-on suitcase, adding a bright ribbon or tag for easy identification.
On the Plane
Once you're on the plane, you can store your garment bag in the overhead compartment or utilise the closet designated for hanging garments, if available. Some airlines offer larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area for bridal gown storage. It's a good idea to call ahead and check if your plane has this option. You can also ask the flight attendants for assistance in storing your dress.
Upon Arrival
After reaching your destination, remove the dress from the garment bag and hang it up to allow any creases to drop out. If needed, consider using a steamer or professional steaming service to remove stubborn wrinkles.
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Preparing the dress for travel
The Right Bag or Box:
First, invest in a high-quality garment bag or a sturdy travel box specifically designed for wedding dresses. Most airlines allow garment bags as part of the carry-on allowance, but always check your airline's specific policies and size restrictions for carry-on luggage. You can also purchase airline-safe hand luggage cases or use the bag provided by the retailer/designer. If you're using a garment bag, ensure it's a carry-on-only bag to minimize the risk of loss or damage.
Preparing the Dress:
Before placing the dress in the bag or box, focus on maintaining and protecting its shape. If possible, request that the salon, retailer, or designer prepare the dress for travel, including padding in the bust area or using a cardboard dress form. If you're doing it yourself, lay the dress flat, use tissue paper to mould and fill the bust area and other structured sections. For delicate fabrics like crepe and lace, be extremely gentle and consider using a steamer or iron on low heat to smooth out any wrinkles.
Folding and Hanging:
When placing the dress in the bag or box, follow these steps:
- Ensure hanger straps are securely looped around the clothing hanger to support the weight of the dress.
- If your dress has a train, use the loop underneath to hang it on the hanger's hook for even weight distribution and easier folding.
- Fold the dress by placing the middle inside the bag first, then fold the top and bottom over.
- If your dress has a long train, consider leaving it bustled to prevent wrinkles.
- Hang the garment by the straps inside the gown, not the sleeves or dress straps, to avoid fabric distortion.
Onboard the Plane:
Once you're at the airport, ask the cabin crew for assistance. Airlines often have a small closet upfront, and they may allow you to hang your dress there. Otherwise, they will help you lay it flat in the overhead compartment. Always bring your dress onboard; never put it in the hold.
Additional Tips:
- Pack wrinkle-release spray to help with any wrinkles that may form during travel.
- If you have space constraints, reach out to your venue to inquire about any spare items they may have.
- After the wedding, have the gown cleaned within a month of your return to remove any stains and odours.
- Consider reselling the dress as an eco-friendly option.
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Hanging and storing the dress
Hanging and storing your wedding dress is a crucial aspect of transporting it abroad. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you prepare:
Hanging the Dress:
- Utilise a sturdy and high-quality garment bag, preferably one provided by the retailer or designer of your dress. If not, you can easily purchase one online.
- Ensure the dress is properly folded and secured within the bag. Place the middle of the dress inside the bag, then fold the top and bottom towards the middle.
- Hang the dress by the straps inside the gown, avoiding the sleeves or dress straps to prevent fabric distortion.
- If your dress has a long train, keep it bustled to prevent dragging and wrinkling at the bottom of the garment bag.
- Use a utilitarian hanger with traction to prevent the dress from slipping off.
Storing the Dress:
- Always carry your wedding dress as hand luggage to maintain greater control over its safety and minimise the risk of loss or damage.
- Check with your airline to see if they can accommodate hanging space. Some airlines may hang your dress in the first-class cabin wardrobe, while others may require you to use the overhead lockers.
- If hanging space is unavailable, lay the dress flat, either in the overhead compartment or in the designated hanging garments closet, if available.
- If you're travelling with a bridesmaid or wedding planner, they can help by holding onto the dress bag and ensuring its safety throughout the journey.
- Consider purchasing an extra seat for your dress if you want to ensure it stays in good form during the flight, although this option can be expensive.
Remember to also consider the climate and setting of your destination wedding. If it's a humid climate, some wrinkles may naturally come out, and you can also pack a wrinkle-release spray.
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Dealing with wrinkles
- Use a garment bag: Invest in a high-quality garment bag specifically designed for transporting wedding dresses. These bags are typically made of breathable and reusable natural cotton, providing better protection against wrinkles. Make sure the bag meets the size restrictions for carry-on luggage to avoid having to check it in.
- Prepare the dress for travel: Focus on maintaining and protecting the shape of the dress. Request that the salon, retailer, or designer prepare it for travel with proper padding in the bust area or on a cardboard dress form. If preparing it yourself, lay the dress flat, use tissue paper to mould it, and fill in the structured sections.
- Hang the dress properly: Utilise a utilitarian hanger with traction to prevent the dress from slipping off. Hang the garment by the straps inside the gown, avoiding the sleeves or dress straps to prevent fabric distortion. If the dress has a long train, keep it bustled to prevent wrinkles at the bottom of the garment bag.
- Address wrinkles upon arrival: Once you reach your destination, promptly unpack your wedding dress from the garment bag. This will allow any minor wrinkles formed during transit to fall out naturally. For stubborn creases, consider using a wrinkle release spray to help fluff out any fabrics.
- Steam with caution: If wrinkles persist, steaming can be an effective solution. However, try to avoid steaming on the wedding day itself. Allow sufficient time for the garment to dry before wearing it to prevent creating new wrinkles.
By following these steps and planning ahead, you can effectively minimise wrinkles and ensure your wedding dress looks its best when travelling abroad from Los Angeles.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you pack your wedding dress in a carry-on bag. If your dress is small enough, you can fold it into a carry-on bag or suitcase. If it is bulkier or more delicate, you can keep it in a garment bag for the duration of the journey.
It is important to pack your wedding dress safely in a garment bag to protect it during the security screening process. You can also put a tracking device inside your suitcase, such as an AirTag, to monitor its location. Additionally, you should contact your airline to determine their policies for storing a wedding dress on the plane.
Delta has a section on its website with information about transporting special baggage items, including wedding dresses. You can speak to a Delta agent at the gate, and they will help you find a suitable storage space for your dress. On American Airlines, customers are allowed a soft-sided garment bag in place of a carry-on bag. JetBlue considers a wedding dress to be a personal item, and while they do not offer hanging closet space, you can purchase an extra seat for the dress.
